Buccaneers of 24 Squadron – Book 3 – The New Era (Soft Cover)

This is the story of the SAAF Buccaneers S Mk50 and their service in 24 Squadron.

Col George Snyman (Retired)  Ex Officer Commanding 24 Squadron writes:

When you fly a certain type of aircraft in operations, many times in the face of growing enemy air defences and you get through safely, not only because of the application of tactics and acquired skills, but also because of the specific capabilities and characteristics of that aircraft, a certain affinity and loyalty develops that remains for a lifetime. It was undoubtedly the best part of my flying career, first as Flight Commander and for the last four years as Officer Commanding.

The best accolade to the Buccaneer and the members of 24 Squadron, SAAF, came from the enemy. In an interview a senior Angolan military officer once said (freely translated) “that the SAAF Buccaneers were a thorn in their side and never gave them any rest. Whether it be on a Sunday, public holiday, normal weekday, early or late or in the middle of the day, the Buccaneers attacked us from any direction and at any place in the war theatre at the least expected times.”

This is the 3rd part of the story of the Buccaneer S Mk50 in service with 24 Squadron from 1965 to 1991. It forms part of a 4-series set of books spanning from the initial procurement requirements, until the closing of the Squadron and retiring of the SAAF Buccaneers. Each book covering a specific era and life of both the Squadron and the Buccaneers.